20: Alberto Franchetti (1860?1942) Autograph Start Price EUR 6,000.00 Current Price EUR 6,000.00 Time Left - Bid Count 1 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Wednesday, December 10, 2008 End Time Wednesday, December 10, 2008 Location Turin, Italy See more about '20: Alberto Franchetti (1860?1942) Autograph' Description Current Lot Alberto Franchetti (1860?1942) Autograph unpublished manuscript of Don Bonaparte. It is the complete draft of Franchetti's opera for voice and piano composed in the period between 6 January 1936 (Prelude) and 10 September 1938, when the last page with the exclamation 'Laus Deo!' was written. The date 'Viareggio, 18 dicembre 1937' is written at the end of Act II whilst 'Viareggio, 8 aprile 1938' is indicated at the beginning of Act III. Black ink on paper, 320 pages, large 4to, 16 pentagrammeds. Many adjustments, cancellations and additions have been made with pencil, red chalk and ink; some parts have been replaced adding new sections written on strips of paper that have been applied to the original sheets using glue. Don Geronimo Bonaparte is a tranquil parish priest who lives in a mountain village of Tuscany. One day, he learns that his nephew Napoleone has become emperor and is willing to make him a cardinal. These news throw the village in a state of agitation: to avoid fighting with opportunism and live his life in peace as he used to do before the news, the parish priest will ultimately decide not to accept the prestigious role that has been offered to him. This opera, Franchettini's last work, bears witness to the Piedmontese composer's artistic path in the later years. Of note, Franchettini was an exponent of the Italian 'Verismo' movement. As far as we know, Don Bonaparte has never been published neither staged, and there is no score. Fine red Morocco half-binding with marmorated side paper, and ex libris. Place a Bid!